Torpedo power cable attachment hardware

ABSTRACT

A guide system for securing a torpedo pre-set power cable to move within a torpedo tube is provided. The guide system includes a longitudinal keeper and a guide assembly. The longitudinal keeper secures the power cable and includes a protrusion. A channel of the guide assembly connects to a Torpedo Mount Dispenser such that the channel receives the protrusion with the keeper sliding within and along a length of the channel. An alternate channel connects to a torpedo tube land and is configured to pivot to a stowed position and a deployed position where the channel is configured to receive the protrusion of the keeper such that the keeper slides within and along a length of the channel. When using each of the channels, the power cable can move within the torpedo tube when the protrusion of the keeper with the secured power cable slides within each channel.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or forthe Government of the United States of America for governmental purposeswithout the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER PATENT APPLICATIONS

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a guide assembly for a pre-set powercable used in a torpedo tube and in particular, to a guide assembly thatprevents snagging of the power cable during insertion and removal of atorpedo from the torpedo tube.

(2) Description of the Prior Art

A torpedo pre-set power cable (also referred to as an A-cable) powers atorpedo prior to launch from a torpedo tube. The A-cable passes throughan electrical penetrator of a torpedo tube breech door. Inside thetorpedo tube, the A-cable is attached to a Torpedo Mounted Dispenser(TMD) via a series of hooks and retainers that secure the cable duringseparation from the torpedo (e.g., during launch). This securing actionis necessary due to umbilical separation and the resultant loads thatare encountered during a torpedo launch.

In various circumstances, the hooks and retainers can limit or provideexcess slack in the A-cable. During loading and unloading of the torpedofrom the torpedo tube; the slack can result in snagging the A-cable onthe torpedo tube structure. This snagging can damage the A-cable and canimpede the operation of other torpedo tube components. Thus, there is aneed for an improved system to safely guide a torpedo pre-set powercable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a primary purpose and general object of the presentinvention to provide a guide system that secures a torpedo pre-set powercable and prevents cable snagging during torpedo loading and unloading.

To attain the object of the present invention, the guide system providesa guide assembly that connects to the Torpedo Mounted Dispenser (TMD).The guide system also includes a longitudinal keeper that secures thetorpedo pre-set power cable by encompassing and tightening down on thecable. A channel of the guide assembly is shaped to accommodate aprotrusion of the longitudinal keeper.

When the protrusion is received in the channel; the keeper can slidealong a length of the channel. As such, the keeper and channel define amating track that permits loading and unloading of the torpedo bysliding the keeper within the channel along with the A-cable secured bythe keeper. By controlling the keeper, the slack of the A-cable can becontrolled. Controlling the A-cable slack substantially reduces snaggingof the A-cable within the torpedo tube.

An alternate torpedo power cable guide system is provided. The guidesystem includes a guide assembly with a channel that connects to atorpedo tube at a lower longitudinal land of the tube. A section of theguide assembly including the channel can pivot to a stowed position or adeployed position to receive a protrusion of a longitudinal keeper. Whenthe protrusion is in the channel; the keeper can slide along the channellength. The keeper and channel define a mating track that permitsloading and unloading of the torpedo by sliding the keeper within thechannel along with the A-cable secured by the keeper.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentto those having ordinary skill in the art reading the instantspecification, drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pre-set power cable guide system ofthe present invention in which the guide system is attached to a TorpedoMounted Dispenser (TMD);

FIG. 2 is an end view of the power cable guide system based on referencelines 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an end view of an exemplary channel based on reference lines3A-3A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the guide assembly and channel based onreference lines 3B-3B in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary cover for a longitudinalkeeper of the cable guide system;

FIG. 5A is an end view of an exemplary base for the keeper;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the base shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a torpedo pre-set power cable positionedbetween the cover and base of the keeper of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate torpedo pre-set power cableguide system;

FIG. 8A is a top view of a channel of the alternate guide system shownin FIG. 7;

FIG. 8B is a side view of the alternate channel shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the alternate channel mounted in atorpedo tube; and

FIG. 10 is an end view of an alternate torpedo pre-set power cable guidesystem utilizing the channel of FIGS. 7-9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the present invention comprises a guide system with alongitudinal keeper which secures an A-Cable (torpedo pre-set powercable). The keeper is the mechanical attachment of a cover and a basehaving a protrusion. The system also comprises a guide assembly having achannel sized to accommodate and allow the protrusion to slide withinthe channel. The guide assembly is secured to a weldment of a TorpedoMounted Dispenser (TMD). Alternatively, the channel can be mounted as apivoting hinge plate with the guide assembly attached to a lowerlongitudinal land of the torpedo tube.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2,shown therein are perspective and end views of a guide system 100 of thepresent invention. The guide system 100 is shown installed with aTorpedo Mounted Dispenser (TMD) 500. The guide system 100 includes alongitudinal keeper 110 and a guide assembly 120 with a channel 122. Thekeeper 110 is configured to secure a pre-set power cable 200 via anopening in the keeper formed by attachment of a base 112 and a cover114. An aft cable keeper 202 is shown as to where the cable 200 would bepositioned.

The keeper 110 also includes a protrusion 116 as part of the base 112.The protrusion 116 can be partially shaped as a T-bolt. The guideassembly 120 securely mounts to the TMD 500 via a fastening mechanism(not shown) inserted through an aperture 124 on a track finger 125.

The channel 122 of the guide assembly 120 has a length that extendsalong a portion or a full length of the TMD 500. The channel 122 (havingat least one end open) is configured to receive the protrusion 116 ofthe keeper 110 such that the keeper can slide along the length of thechannel. The channel 122 is formed as a larger T-shaped indent tomaintain a preferred orientation of the keeper 110 in relation to theTMD 500 as the keeper slides within the channel.

The TMD 500 may include a stud on the weldment back plate 502 and afastener/screw internal to the weldment inside diameter to secure thechannel 122 to the TMD. The load would be borne by the track finger 125which protrudes behind the weldment back plate 502.

FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively depict end and side views of the guideassembly 120. As previously stated, the guide assembly 120 is mounted tothe TMD 500 via a fastening mechanism inserted through the channelaperture 124. The channel aperture 124 is formed in the guide assembly120 and is sized and shaped to permit attachment via a screw, a rivet,etc.

The side view of FIG. 3B illustrates the T-shaped channel 122 extendingalong a length of the guide assembly 120. The channel 122 includes anopen end 128 and a closed end 130. The keeper 110 is received into thechannel 122 by sliding the protrusion 116 into the open end 128. Theprotrusion 116 can slide within the length of the channel 122 as definedby the closed end 130.

It is understood that interaction of the protrusion 116 and the channel122 is not limited to implementation of a T-track system. The keeper 110and the channel 122 can cooperate to form any mating track. Otherexemplary components that may form the mating track include, but are notlimited to, an open-face hinge/hinge pin or a drawer-slide mechanism.Generally, the mating track cooperates such that the torpedo pre-setpower cable 200 can be installed during loading of a torpedo by slidingthe mating track components together.

Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, a longitudinal keeper 110is formed by a combination of the two components shown in the figures.FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary cover 114 whereas FIG.5A and FIG. 5B show end and side views of an exemplary keeper base 112.Generally, the base 112 and the cover 114 are sized and/or shaped topermit the power cable 200 to be positioned between an attached coverand base. When secured therein, the cable 200 is prevented from movement(See FIG. 6).

The keeper cover 114 includes a plurality of apertures 115 (only twoapertures are labeled for clarity) that correspond and align to baseapertures 113. The base 112 and the cover 114 are connected to form anintegral component with the pre-set power cable 200 positioned thereinvia one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts and nuts) insertedthrough the apertures 113/115 (See FIG. 2, as an example of an assemblednut and bolt configuration). In the configuration shown in FIG. 5A, thebase 112 includes the protrusion 116 that is sized and shaped to bereceived in the channel 122.

It is understood that the keeper 110 as shown in FIG. 4, FIGS. 5A and 5Bis not so limited. Alternatives provide that the keeper 110 be formed asan integral component of the torpedo pre-set power cable 200. That is,the keeper 110 can be formed as a unitary (e.g., molded) component ofthe A-cable 200 during manufacturing. In accordance with the otheraspects, the two-component longitudinal keeper 110 herein illustratedsecures an existing A-cable as part of a retrofit and upgrade process.

Turning to FIG. 7, shown therein is a perspective view on an alternateembodiment of a channel 162 of a torpedo pre-set power cable guideassembly 160. The channel 162 operates to mate with the longitudinalkeeper 110.

Generally, the channel 162 includes a pivoting member 164 and aconnecting member 166. The channel 162 connects to a torpedo tube viathe connecting member 166. The connecting member 166 is mechanicallyconnected to a lower longitudinal land 600 of the torpedo tube byfasteners 167 (See FIGS. 9 and 10).

The channel 162 of the pivoting member 164 is shaped to receive theprotrusion 116 of the keeper 110. The pivoting member 164 rotates orpivots on a cylindrical axle 165 secured to the connecting member 166.The pivoting member can pivot to a stowed position where the channel 162is not accessible (See FIG. 8A and FIG. 9) or a deployed position (shownin FIG. 7 and FIG. 8B) wherein the channel is positioned to receive theprotrusion 116. When received therein, the keeper 110, connected to thetorpedo pre-set power cable 200, can slide along at least a portion ofthe length of the guide assembly 160. When the pivoting member 164 is inthe stowed position, the torpedo can move within the torpedo tubewithout contacting the channel 162.

The channel 162 is operable with the keeper 110 having the keeper cover114 of FIG. 4 and the keeper base 112 of FIGS. 5A and 5B. Other aspectsallow the channel 162 to be operable with a longitudinal keeper that isformed as a single (or unitary) component that can be permanentlyattached to the torpedo pre-set power cable 200. Similar to the guideassembly 100, the keeper 110 and channel 162 cooperate to determine theorientation of the torpedo pre-set power cable 200 along a length of thetorpedo tube, or otherwise control the orientation of the cable toprevent snagging.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict top and side views of the alternate guideassembly 160. In the top view of FIG. 8A, the channel 162 is in thestowed position wherein the pivoting member 164 is lowered to permitloading and unloading of the torpedo. The pivoting member 164 includes atab 168 that assists a user to move the pivoting member between thestowed and deployed position. In the side view of FIG. 8B, the pivotingmember 164 is shown in the deployed position in which the protrusion 116of the keeper 110 can be inserted into the channel 162.

The alternate guide assembly 160 would only be used for a launch from atorpedo tube without a TMD 500. The pivoting member 164 of the guideassembly 160 would be in the stowed position when loading the torpedo.After the torpedo passes the alternate guide assembly 160, a torpedoperson would raise the pivoting member 164 with the tab 168, and thenslide the protrusion 116 into the channel 162 while further loading atorpedo into place.

Referring now to FIG. 9, shown therein is a perspective view of thealternate guide assembly 160 connected or mounted in a torpedo tube. Asdiscussed, the connecting member 166 of the guide assembly 160 can beconnected to a lower longitudinal land 600. The pivoting member 164 ofthe guide assembly 160 is shown in the stowed position.

Referring lastly to FIG. 10, shown therein is an end view of thealternate embodiment of a torpedo pre-set power cable guide assembly 160including the channel 162. The guide assembly 160 includes thelongitudinal keeper 110 having the protrusion 116 mating with thechannel 162. The keeper 110 is configured to be connected to the torpedopre-set power cable 200. The channel 162 includes the connecting member166 and the pivoting member 164 pivoted to the deployed position.

The channel 162 has a length that extends along a portion of the torpedotube. The channel 162 provides a mechanism that can mount to the torpedotube lower longitudinal land 600 so that the A-Cable 200 is secured inthe torpedo tube without the use of a TMD 500. In the stowed position,the channel 162 does not protrude into the circumferential clearance forweapon insertion. The pivoting track design orients the A-Cable 200 inthe orientation as if attached to the TMD 500.

Once the tube is loaded, the torpedo is locked into the torpedo tube bya stop bolt mechanism. The TMD 500 is then unlocked from the torpedo,pulled back and fastened to the torpedo tube longitudinal lands 600using TMD slide pad assembly pins. During TMD pull back, thelongitudinal keeper 110 allows payout of cable slack from aft of the TMD500 to forward of the TMD.

During a backhaul of a torpedo, the keeper 110 allows personnel toaccess the A-Cable 200 while side pad assemblies are released from thelongitudinal lands 600 and the TMD 500 is pushed forward and locked tothe torpedo. When the TMD 500 is pushed forward, the keeper 110 allowsslack forward of the TMD to payout aft of the TMD. This action preventsthe A-Cable 200 from snagging and tearing components of the torpedotube.

It will be understood that many additional changes in the details,materials, steps and arrangement of parts, which have been hereindescribed and illustrated in order to explain the nature of theinvention, may be made by those skilled in the art within the principleand scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the inventionhas been presented for purposes of illustration and description only. Itis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed; and obviously many modifications and variationsare possible in light of the above teaching. Such modifications andvariations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art areintended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined bythe accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A guide system for securing a torpedo pre-setpower cable to move within a torpedo tube, said guide system comprising:a keeper formable by mechanical attachment of a cover having tworectangular sections with at least two apertures therethru alongitudinal face of each section and an arch therebetween longitudinaledges of said rectangular sections, said cover attachable to a basehaving a rectangular section with at least two apertures therethru alongitudinal face, said base including an arch with a first end integralto a longitudinal edge of said rectangular section of said base and aT-shaped protrusion with at least two apertures therethru parallel tothe apertures of said rectangular section with said protrusion extendingaway from and integral to a second end of said arch; a first setfasteners for the mechanical attachment by the placement of saidfasteners in the apertures of said cover and said base with interiors ofsaid arches facing each other wherein the mechanical attachment iscapable of securing the power cable therebetween said arches; a secondset of fasteners sized for attachment on a longitudinal land of thetorpedo tube; and a guide assembly having a connecting member with arectangular plate with two end widths and including an indent on alongitudinal face with an opposite face of said plate having at leastthree acute angles longitudinally between the end widths with the acuteangles sized to conform to a surface of the torpedo tube, two extensionswith each extension extending perpendicular from the end widths andincluding a first set of apertures sized for said second set offasteners to attach to the longitudinal land at an attachment sectionparallel to the end widths, a pivoting member sized smaller than theindent with said pivoting member including a channel on a longitudinalface opposite said attachment section with said pivoting member mountedto pivot on a cylinder extending thru said channel and thru the oppositeend widths of said plate, said channel capable of accommodating saidprotrusion to slide within said channel; wherein the torpedo pre-setpower cable can move within the torpedo tube when said protrusion ofsaid keeper slides within said channel with the secured power cable. 2.The guide system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said channel isT-shaped larger than the T-shape of said protrusion such that a matingof said protrusion and said channel is capable of maintaining aprepositioned orientation of said protrusion.
 3. The guide system inaccordance with claim 2, wherein said channel has an open end and aclosed end wherein said keeper can be received into said channel bysliding said protrusion into the open end.
 4. The guide system inaccordance with claim 3, wherein said pivoting member further comprisesa tab extending from a longitudinal edge opposite a longitudinal edgefacing said connecting member wherein said tab assists pivoting of saidpivoting member between a stowed and deployed position.